23. Lawrence Wilson, OLB, UConn

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Stats: 6'1", 226 lbs.

Why He Is Special: The Huskies were embarrassed by the Oklahoma Sooners passing game led by Landry Jones in the Fiesta Bowl. And their weak defensive showing has to be pointed towards their pass rush. For that reason, Wilson's stock could take a hit in the draft.

However, he is still the best tackler they have at UConn and he has also shown a knack for turning interception into touchdowns, with three pick-six's in his career.

19. Josh Bynes, ILB, Auburn

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Stats: 6'2", 235 lbs.

Why He Is Special: With all of the hype surrounding Auburn quarterback Cam Newton, the Tigers' defense has rarely been given any credit.

One of the big keys to their defense this year has been the leadership of Bynes a senior. At linebacker he has the talent to rack up tackles and also shown the skills necessary to be a quality guy in pass coverage.

18. Brian Rolle, OLB, Ohio State

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Stats: 5'10", 218 lbs.

Why He Is Special: Playing for a Big Ten co-champion, Rolle earned a spot in this year's All-Big Ten First Team.

His big highlight this year was a team-high 10 tackles against conference rivals Iowa in Week 12. In that game, Rolle also collected a career-high three tackles for a loss, winning Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week honors.

17. Mason Foster, OLB, Washington

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Stats: 6'2", 242 lbs.

Why He Is Special: Playing for the Huskies, this linebacker racked up plenty of tackles. How do you improve upon the 80 total tackles he collected as a junior? You double it! Foster totalled 162 tackles (including 105 solo) as a senior.

14. Mario Harvey, ILB, Marshall

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Stats: 6'0", 250 lbs.

Why He Is Special: Forget his short frame, this guy find a way to stop the football. He was a member of the 2010 Conference USA First-Team and the only semifinalist for the Butkus award to come from a non-AQ school.

During Week 12 of this season, Harvey notched a career high 21 total tackles and two sacks against Tulane.

13. Mark Herzlich, OLB, Boston College

Why He Is Special: There was time when Herzlich was one of the best defenders in the nation. Then he was struck by cancer. After a year off, Herzlich's cancer is believed to be 99 percent gone.

He's been able to return for his senior season and still display the skills that made him a top linebacker. However, his draft stock will clearly be affected by his bout with cancer. Nonetheless, Herzlich has already proven he is a great competitor and a true fighter.

5. Bruce Carter, OLB, North Carolina

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Stats: 6'3", 235 lbs.

Why He Is Special: He's been a starter for three seasons at North Carolina. Carter has all the tools to excel at the next level, he's a very well-balanced defender, but thrives in pass coverage because of his great athleticism.

3. Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA

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Stats: 6'4", 255 lbs.

Why He Is Special: He's a balanced linebacker with all the tools to become a force in the league. Ayers has shown signs of brilliance and ability to become dominant during an up-and-down junior season.